How to Create a Skincare Routine for Winter

Winter brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and harsh winds - all of which can wreak havoc on your skin. The cold, dry air outside combined with indoor heating systems that further deplete moisture can leave your skin feeling irritated, tight, and flaky. To combat these winter skin woes, it's important to adopt a nourishing skincare routine tailored to your skin's needs during the colder months. In this blog, CouponXoo will break down the essential steps to include in a winter skincare routine and recommended product types for each.

Understand Your Skin’s Winter Needs

It's crucial to comprehend how your skin's necessities fluctuate with the season before establishing a winter routine. The frigid, dried out air outside joined with indoor warming can leave your complexion parched. Regardless of whether you normally have oily or blended skin, the colder long stretches of winter regularly prompt dampness misfortune. This leaves the skin feeling drained, flaky, and red.

Skincare during the winter ought to zero in on:

Holding dampness to forestall dryness and peeling.
Defensive boundaries to safeguard against rough climate.
Tender exfoliation to dodge irritation and help the assimilation of items.

1. Cleanse Thoroughly

The first step is cleansing your face both morning and night to remove dirt, oil, and debris accumulated throughout the day. Look for a gentle, non-drying cleanser formulated for drier winter skin. Cream and oil-based cleansers do a better job at hydrating skin compared to foaming formulas. Make sure to avoid over-cleansing which can strip your skin of its natural oils. Take your time massaging the cleanser in and rinsing it off to avoid leaving any residual product behind that could further dry your skin.

Product Recommendations:

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

2. Exfoliate Weekly

While your skin may feel tight, exfoliating too frequently can cause further irritation. Aim to exfoliate just once a week to slough off dead skin cells and smooth rough patches. Opt for a soft chemical exfoliant containing gentle AHAs or PHAs rather than a physical scrub. Look for products with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to prevent over-drying. Be extra gentle when exfoliating drier areas like around the nose and cheeks.

Product Recommendations:

Paula’s Choice 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
The Inkey List PHA Toner

3. Moisturize Constantly

No winter skincare routine is complete without ample moisturization. During the colder months, your skin needs extra hydration to protect its barrier from the elements. Look for a rich cream or ointment containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter. Apply multiple times per day, including after cleansing, exfoliating, and following any treatments. Make sure to seal everything in by applying an occlusive like petroleum jelly around your nose and mouth which tend to chap easily. Carry a small tube with you to reapply as needed throughout the day.

Product Recommendations:

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

4. Use Occlusives

Taking moisturizing a step further, seal everything in with an occlusive like petroleum jelly, aquaphor, or lanolin. These types of products form a protective layer on top of the skin to lock in hydration. Concentrate application on the driest areas like around the nose, chin, and forehead. Occlusives create an impermeable barrier, so only apply at night unless using cosmetic versions during the day.

Product Recommendations:

Aquaphor Healing Ointment: This multipurpose ointment is excellent for sealing in moisture on any dry or irritated areas.
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly: A budget-friendly option, this is a classic occlusive that works wonders for chapped or dry skin.

5. Incorporate Serums & Oils

For extra nourishment, layer treatment serums under your moisturizer that contain thick, emollient oils or anti-aging actives. Look for hydrating oils like rosehip, jojoba, and argan or retinol serum. Massage a few drops into damp skin after cleansing. Follow with heavier creams on top. Face oils are also great for sealing in moisture overnight. Apply alone or mixed with your regular moisturizer.

Product Recommendations:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil

6. Protect Your Skin

Exposure to harsh winds and extreme temperatures can further dehydrate skin, even on mild days. Layer on SPF of at least 30 in the morning, even on cloudy days. Opt for hydrating facial sunscreens containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin vs. silicone-based formulas. Reapply periodically throughout the extended daylight hours. Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves whenever outside for protection against the elements.

Product Recommendations:

EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40

7. Drink Plenty of Water

What’s good for your overall health is also beneficial for your skin. Staying hydrated from the inside out is key during winter when humidity levels plummet. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day to keep your skin plump and glowy. Herbal teas, bone broths, and vegetable juices all count towards fluid intake.

8. Use a Humidifier

Run a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom at night and other rooms when possible to add moisture back into heated indoor air. Aim for 40-50% humidity levels. Bacteria can grow in warm, damp conditions, so be sure to clean your humidifier regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Product Recommendations:

Levoit Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier
Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier

9. Treat Yourself

Incorporate targeted serums and masks weekly for an extra skin-pampering boost. Look for hydrating sheet masks, overnight treatments rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid, under eye gels to reduce puffiness, peptide serums to boost collagen, and more. Self-care is especially important during the cold, dreary winter months. Follow up with your regular moisturizer and protection afterwards.

By following these important steps for cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and protecting your skin each day, outlined by skincare experts at CouponXoo, you can ensure it remains hydrated, supple and youthful all winter long. Be sure to browse CouponXoo for the latest deals and discounts on products to stock up your winter skincare arsenal. With the guidance from CouponXoo and consistency with your routine, your skin will make it through to the warmer months ahead with a healthy glow.